Perfectly Powerful Peanut

While America’s peanut farmers are in New York at the Pop-Up event, discussing how peanuts grow and how they help feed the hungry, we are encouraging attendees to get a limited edition “Peanut Envy” t-shirt in support of making a donation to Peanut Butter for the Hungry, an initiative of the peanut industry in the United States to help malnourished children in places where resources are limited. They are for also for sale online for those who cannot attend!

So many of us love peanut butter for its great taste, nutrition or just for the wonderful childhood memories we get when we bite into a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You may not realize that peanut butter helps make ends meet for thousands of people who use food banks in the United States, and that peanut butter is also part of life-saving treatment for malnourished children. I’ll bet after you read this, you’ll love peanut butter even more.

Certain foods just go better together. Sometimes it’s because the flavor combo is irresistible, like peanut butter and chocolate, and sometimes it’s because the nutritional profile of each food complements the other and makes the final dish even more nutritious.

The great taste of peanuts has been the key to peanuts’ popularity for generations, but the nutritional benefits of peanuts and peanut butter have also been part of their universal appeal. Ads for peanut products have changed over time, but it’s easy to see that one message has remained constant: peanuts are both nutritious and delicious.

This summer National Peanut Board is giving back. With its Fuel for Food Banks program, America’s peanut farmers will help tackle a key issue for many families: food insecurity. Over the next few months, we will highlight not only the need for donations of nutritious and convenient foods like peanut butter, but we will recognize those who address the growing problems in their local communities. First story: Golden Harvest Food Bank

A story I read on Livestrong.com reminds me I’m not the only one looking for satisfying, energizing lunch ideas. “Begin incorporating healthy foods into your lunchtime meals that will keep you functioning at your optimal capacity throughout the day,“ they say. The first suggestion? “A peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat. A combination of carbohydrates, protein and whole-grain fiber make this the perfect sandwich to have at lunchtime.” Energizing lunches look different for all of us, but for me a truly energizing lunch has some of these basic components.

As the growing season winds down, nutritious and delicious squashes, broccoli and root vegetables are yours to enjoy. Peanuts add a delicious touch of protein to fall vegetables and give a hint of light, nutty flavor. In fact, peanuts have more protein than any nut. Here are five ways to turn late-fall vegetables into something to get excited about.

To help celebrate our sweepstakes, we’re hosting a virtual party on Twitter featuring Amy Lupold Blair of Resourceful Mommy. Today, Oct. 14 at 8-9 p.m. Amy will chat about the energizing power of peanuts and how families juggle hectic schedules.

Americans all across the country are celebrating their freedom by putting on their running shoes and taking off to fitness events—5K, 10K Run/Walks or marathons. How do you know what to eat after your Independence Day event? A good rule-of-thumb is for runners to supply their bodies with protein and carbohydrates and water soon after they run. Peanuts and peanut butter can be a valuable part of re-energizing your body after a run.